Since customer loyalty is really about building long-lasting relationships, it can often transcend our typical notions of traditional brand-consumer interactions. Loyalty programs are no longer only found in the retail, hotel, and travel industries. Increasingly, brands across all industries and verticals are recognizing the marketing potential of creating the strong bonds forged in a customer-centric community of loyal advocates.
In this way, loyalty programs are even starting to edge their way throughout the halls and across the quads of esteemed academic institutions. After the University of Iowa launched a mobile-based loyalty program earlier this year, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is poised to follow suit.
Designed in conjunction with First Bankcard, a division of First National Bank of Omaha, the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association will begin offering a new Visa credit card. The university credit card will come with Complete Rewards and it is available to alumni, faculty, staff, and all community members and NIU supporters. Members who carry the card can start earning rewards immediately, while supporting the Huskies in the process.
The new loyalty program is also a way for NIU to leverage the mission of the Alumni Association to further develop and strengthen its network of supporters across the university and throughout the community.
“The Alumni Association takes co-branded partnerships very seriously, because our members expect us to partner only with the very best,” said Joseph P. Matty, Executive Director of the NIU Alumni Association. “Partnering with a first-class establishment like First National Bank of Omaha enables us to provide a superior product to our alumni and friends.”
Along with 1,500 bonus points upon activation, the card comes with a special low interest rate on all purchases and earns one point for every dollar spent. The card also offers cash back, travel rewards with no blackout dates and the ability for members to acquire a vast array of merchandise and products from their favorite brands.
Also notable is the fact that the card features no points cap. The points do, however expire after a certain time.
“First Bankcard’s commitment to its partners, combined with its expertise in university loyalty programs led to this flexible, custom credit card program for Northern Illinois University alumni and friends,” said Stephen F. Eulie, president of First Bankcard. “This program is a powerful way for NIU alumni to show their Huskie pride while earning rewards.”